Product description

LEONA LEWIS Best Kept Secret (2009 US 11-track CD album - Leona Lewis is one of the most sought after vocal talents at the moment having had a string of success with her recent cover of Snow Patrols Run multi-platinum album Spirit and of course winning X-factor 2006. But what of Leonas musical talents prior to these accomplishments? Before Run... Before Spirit... Even before X-factor there was Best Kept Secret. Recorded during Leonas time at UEG music in 2005 Best Kept Secret is a collection of more upbeat R&B/Dance tracks showing another side to the striking vocalist. Issued in the commercial picture sleeve with promotional saw cut through the spine - still sealed from new)

the reason 2 of you gave it low reviews and are surprised the uk didnt make a fuss of it is that leona never wanted it released, she made an album of demos in her teens, most singers do when they tried to get famous, look up shania twain limelight collection. but she took it to the record lable who said they didnt want to release it, so it got shelved. then leona gave up on music they basically crushed her one dream, and went working as a receptionist, then when she got famous and released spirit the record company from years before decided to release it. they tried to fight it but as leona had given it to them there was nothing they could do, the record copany even went as far as making an advert saying new album from leona but ITV ofcom refused for it to be shown saying it was misleading as she was she recorded it years before so wasnt a new album, i think the album is pretty good considering they are just demos that leona worked to save up for to make on her own, she did part time jobs to fund studio time. in the end the company agreed to give 50% of the profits to leona but even so it is a bit like someone not wanting to be your friend in school until you beat up the school bully then your the most popular kid in school. i feel sorry for leona being used like that and hope this album doesnt put people of buying echo in a week or two. personally anyway i love this album it shows a young singer trying new things testing the waters, but its more for fans of leona, but just so people dont think im a hypocrite i didnt buy the album thats all im saying, im not supporting people whod do that just because seone got famous!!!

I have to start by saying I'm glad there are little reviews because a lot of people who would read the reviews don't or would not believe this is Leona on this album WELL it IS!!!!

** YOU TUBE IT before you buy, then you'll know what i'm on about **

I believe she did this all at 14 or 15 years of age and LET ME TELL YOU THIS.... she makes people in the industry who've been singing for years look like a SILLY GIRL!! or girls in this case.... lol.. & pardon the PUN, read on and you'll understand.

This album I would say was sung in the vain of the Purists of Soul heads of the 80's and RnB vibes of the 90's and some Hip Hop/Rap with the exception of a POP song at the end called "Silly Girl" lol... hmmmm I'll say NO more on that!

What i'm feeling with reviews here are that people who are just into POP (the Commercial I get to see or hear it on TV) want to hear all that POP crap she sings because that's what Simon Cowell wants he to spit out for the major public.... this album is I'd say a definite trialing and I don't think anyone knew what route she would take.... BUT all i can say is I LOVE IT.... its got RARE GROOVE Soul song in the shape of "I Wanna Be That Girl" she sings effortlessly in this and sounds like a big woman....

Then you have some RnB funk in the way of "I Can't Say Hello" with the break beat of Benny Golson's "I'm Always dancing to the Music" (Rare Groove Soul) another killer track from Leona.... , "Dip Down" & "Ready To Get Down" nice uptempo RnB tracks with the feel on the early 90's RnB scene of the Jodeci's, Men At Large, Genuwine etc etc....

Anddddd then she for me really did an excellent version of "I'm So Into You" SWV's 90's RnB Classic and personally, Its BETTER... and i've DJ'ed with Leona's version and people come up to me and say what SWV version is that.... when I tell them its Leona they don't believe it.... BUT this is a BRILLIANT CD... worth getting and well titled.... "Best Kept Secret" indeed!!! ... If you love your 80's Funk Soul i definitely recommend and its better than anything else she puts out because its aimed at the Commercial end and rightly so because the record label need to make money!!!

As said with the exception of "Silly Girl" which is Poppy in my eyes this is aimed at Big People with Soul tastes, if you like POP and are a girl or boy band follower this review would be way tooo mature for you!!!

The words "Connoisseur Soul aficionados" is what this CD was aimed at!!!